By Ibrahim Bello

Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi says his administration has attracted over N330 billion foreign investment as part of the commitment to develop tourism and cultural heritage in the state.

Idris stated this at the 2025 Rigata Annual Cultural Festival in Yauri Local Government Area.

“Our commitment to preserving the cultural heritage is commendable, as the Rigata festival is not just a celebration, it is a testament to our reach history, vibrant culture, unity of our people.

“This festival showcases the beauty of our tradition, the strength of our community and the spirit of our resilience.

“It is an opportunity for us to come together, to create our achievement and to recollect our shared values,” he said.

According to him, the festival also plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic development in Kebbi, attracting visitors from far and near.

“We have created opportunities for local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

“Our recent visit to China, with a view to attracting foreign investors, resulted in a signing of agreement with refutable investors worth $200 million US dollars, which is equivalent to N330 billion,” he said.

On security, Idris said that there was a remarkable departure from the security situation in Yauri by concerted efforts of the state government, saying that farmers had returned to their farms in the area.

“Within 15 months of this administration, we have reconstructed and rehabilitated Yauri township roads, constructed mega school, rehabilitated Yauri emirate’s palace, installed solar powered-street lights, rehabilitated many Mosques and provided agricultural inputs for free, among others,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Yusuf Sununu, who is also the Minister for State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, said that it was part of the President Bola Tinubu’s policy thrust to utilise cultural diversities to boost the economy in the country.

“Rigata is a Yauri cultural heritage, which has purpose of living a legacy for future generations.

“The festival has earned international recognition; the presence of tourists in the festival signifies that peace has returned to Kebbi,” he said.

On the brief history of the festival, Sununu said that the festival involved riverine maneuvers, including water sports and entertainment which began 200 years ago.

“As a display of naval strength of Gungu people, where Gungu warriors attacked the most dangerous hippopotamus on the River Niger.

“Warriors used to board canoes of different sizes with various weapons to attack the wild marine mammal.

“The water manoeuvres also served as a training exercise for upcoming Gungu warriors,” he said.

Sununu recalled that the advent of Europeans led the colonial government to ban hippopotamus hunting to preserve the specie.

“Afterwards, Rigata became a prestigious display of wealth, power and influence during wedding ceremonies of highly placed households.

“The trend prevailed until the visit of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardaunan Sokoto, to Yelwan-Yauri during which Rigata alongside agricultural show were organised to honour the premier,” the minister narrated.

Earlier, according to the Chairman, National Organising Committee, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida: “the festival is a significant milestone to celebrate and present our cultural festival.”

He added that the festival was more than a celebration of culture but a testimony to preserving tradition.

“The festival has shown all of us that the security in the emirate is revived as farmers, who hitherto were not able to farm for security reasons, are now massively farming their farmlands because of the improved security in the emirate,” he said.

The chairman, who is the Secretary to Kebbi Government (SSG), commended the tremendous efforts of the Emir and council for the relentless effort in putting together the past and present history of Yauri Kingdom via Rigata festival.

Also speaking, the Emir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu-Abdullahi, thanked Gov. Idris for his unwavering support and infrastructural development in the emirate as well as all those who participated in the event.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the dignitaries who attended the event included: Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, former Gov. Sa’idu Dakingari, Sen. Adamu Aleiro (PDP Kebbi Central), Sen. Lawal Maidokoli (PDP Kebbi South), Sen. Bala Ibn-Na-Allah, immediate past Senator representing Kebbi South, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Muhammad Lawal

Chiefdom

By Talatu Maiwada

The creation of the Huba Chiefdom in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa by Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri has brought an end to a 120-year-old chieftaincy struggle.

The Chairman of the Coronation Committee and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Idi Hong, made this known while addressing newsmen in Yola on Wednesday.

Hong said Fintiri’s emergence as governor was a turning point in the long-standing quest for the independence of the ‘Huba” Chiefdom.

“The governor’s leadership reflects fairness, justice, equity, transparency, courage, and inclusiveness.

“He listens to the wishes and aspirations of the people. It is not surprising that he created the Huba Chiefdom alongside six other emirates and chiefdoms across the state.

“This marks the end of a struggle that lasted for about 120 years,” he said.

Hong said Fintiri approved the appointment of Töl Alheri Nyako as Töl Huba on Jan. 3, established the legal framework, administrative structure, and governance procedures for the chiefdom.

“On Friday, Nyako will be presented with the Staff of Office as the Töl Huba by the governor,” he added.

During British colonial rule, he said, the Huba Chiefdom faced systemic downgrading, reducing its traditional leadership to an ungraded district head under the Adamawa Emirate.

He said that in spite of multiple approvals for the chiefdom’s restoration, most notably in 1906, 1986 and 1988, none were implemented, and attempts to revive the Huba monarchy were met with intimidation and resistance.

According to him, Fintiri also created additional 14 districts within the Huba Chiefdom, including Hong, Shangui, Pella, Uding, Kulinyi, Hyema and Gaya, among others.

“With the governor’s intervention, this long-awaited recognition has paved way for the Huba people to govern their affairs within a legally recognised framework,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Culture

By Anita Uzoagba

A cross-section of Nigerians has expressed mixed reactions regarding the cultural belief that using the left hand to give or receive items is a sign of disrespect.

In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, some Nigerians said that using the left hand for such actions was considered taboo.

Others, however, believed that there was no issue with it, arguing that cultural beliefs around it should evolve.

Many also pointed out that such customs form an integral part of Nigerian identity.

Mr Jeff Odei, a Data Scientist, explained that “Nigerian tradition associates giving or receiving items with the left hand with bad luck, impurity, or disrespect.

“The left hand has traditionally been linked to ‘unclean’ things, impurity, or negativity, while the right hand is seen as a symbol of respect, honour, and positivity.”

Similarly, Mr John Atomore, a staff member of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), stated that the custom originated from ancestral traditions and had been passed down through generations in Africa.

He noted, “Using the left hand is seen as a sign of disrespect, while the right hand symbolises respect and regard.

“To me, there is nothing wrong with giving or receiving items with the left hand, but since it is a long-standing tradition, I conform to it.”

Also, Miss Deborah Obareo, a hotelier, explained that Nigeria’s cultural norms shaped how people perceive such actions.

“In our culture, offering someone an item with the left hand suggests a lack of respect or regard for them.

“As children, we often handed things to people with our left hands without understanding its meaning.

“That’s where the correction begins. As we grow older, we are taught that it is inappropriate.

She also noted that some Nigerian tribes emphasised respect more than others, although cultural interpretations of the custom varied among ethnic groups.

Meanwhile, Mr Kingsley Lao, a Cybersecurity Analyst, argued that the belief surrounding left-hand usage was a uniquely Nigerian perspective, not a global one.

“In the western world, this means nothing to them, but that doesn’t mean it is okay for us.

“This is what makes us who we are, ‘Africans.’ While we take in Western education, we should still filter through it and ensure we don’t lose ourselves.

“It’s important to preserve the little things that define us as a people,” he said.

NAN reports that this cultural debate highlights the ongoing conversation about how tradition and modernity intersect in Nigeria. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru